Farscape #5: DNA Mad Scientist/They've Got a Secret

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Did you ever want to know what happens when an X-Files script is mistaken for a Farscape one? This is it.

By Jeremy Conrad

We only have one more Farscape disc to review after this one, but don't worry #11 is on the way soon. After we review this disc, and #4, IGN DVD will have the complete Farscape DVD collection reviewed and in the can.

This disc (#5) is an example of one really bad episode as well as another that is actually pretty good and sets up a major story arc for the rest of the season.

The Movie

DNA Mad Scientist is my least favorite episode of Season One. The crew encounters a "scientist" named Namtar (an excellent character design and Creature Shop job on this guy) who can sample a race's DNA and tell exactly where they are from.

In order to give that information to D'Argo, Zhaan, and Rygel; Namtar requests an arm from Pilot. Naturally, the trio cuts off the arm of their friend for the information, but the downfall of the episode doesn't stop there.

Namtar mutates Aeryn, and his real origin is revealed, all before his eventual death. Which is actually too bad, as he was a cool villain. This episode is just not worth watching, but thankfully the next one is.

Sure, he looks cool, but his episode sucks.

They've Got a Secret is the episode where Moya is discovered to be pregnant. This is a real fun episode as it shows the crew reacting to the changes in Moya, such as the DRDs becoming protectors. Another cool thing about the episode is we get to learn exactly how D'Argo became a prisoner of the Peacekeepers.

DNA Mad Scientist isn't good, but They've Got a Secret is.

6 out of 10

The Video

Both episodes are relatively dark, but once again this show is presented very well on DVD. Despite the low light levels, there is perfect clarity and color in the transfer, and it is pretty much free of any problems.

8 out of 10

"Ok, these probes are going to go where?"

The Audio

Unfortunately the one area where the Farscape discs don't really impress is the audio, but that can simply be explained to the series' TV origins and that it really wasn't designed for 5.1 surround.

You do get some decent surround usage here and there, but it's nothing that'll knock your socks off.

6 out of 10

The Extras

The actor profile on this disc is actually for the puppet, Rygel. Respect the Creature Shop!